ICS and Peer to Peer Network

I have 4 computers (and one printer) hooked up in a peer to peer network via hub.
Computer A is Win98SE and has two NIC: one to the hub and another to a cable modem.
Computer B is Win2000 and also has the same setup as above (yes - a second cable modem)
Computer C is Win98SE and has one NIC.
Computer D is Win98SE and has one NIC.
(Both Computer C and D are laptops)
All are hooked up to the hub and all recognize each other and can browse and share files, print, etc.
All have static IP and subnets (200.0.0.1 through 200.0.0.4 and subnet is 255.255.255.0)
Computer A & B's second NICs which are hooked up to their respective cable modems are set to DHCP and obtain IP address automatically as per the cable company's setup.
I would like Computer C and D to share the cable modem with either computer A or B (preferably A at the moment). I have followed your instructions in the Guides and FAQS, and setup ICS on Computer A.
Computer A has the following in the Network panel:
Client for MS Networks
3Com Fast EthernetXL 10/100 (NIC for cable modem)
AOL Adapter
AOL DialUp Adapter
Dial-Up Adapter
ICS
NetGear FA310TX (NIC to hub)
ICS (protocol) for each of the above
NetBEUI - 3Com Fast Etherlink
NetBEUI - Dial Up Adapter
NetBEUI - ICS
NetBEUI - Netgear FA310TX
TCP/IP - 3Com Fast Etherlink
TCP/IP - AOL Adapter
TCP/IP - AOL Dial Up Adapter
TCP/IP - Dial Up Adapter
TCO/IP - Netgear FA310
File and printer sharing for MS Network
on the Computer C and D the following ar einstalled:
Client for MS Network
3Com Etherlink III
Infrared PnP Serial
Fast Infrared Protocol
TCP/IP 3Com Etherlink
File and Printer Sharing for MS Netowrk
Hope this helps.
Thank you
Jonathan

1. RE: ICS and Peer to Peer Network
lbyard Sep-07-00 04:25 PM
In response to message 0

May I ask why you want to do this and if the cable MODEMs are hooked to the same cable and cable service. Larry

2. RE: ICS and Peer to Peer Network
jonsam Sep-07-00 05:19 PM
In response to message 1

I want Computer C and D to be able to access the internet. That is my primary reason. I need them to be able to collect their email and surf the web.
The cable MODEMS conencted to Computer A and B are hooked to the cable but are independent services that are independent accounts of each other.
Initially we had three (Computer C had one) but it was a waste of money especially if we could use ICS. If this works out - eventually we would eliminate the second cable modem. (We had all three before the days of ICS).
Jonathan

3. RE: ICS and Peer to Peer Network
lbyard Sep-07-00 07:00 PM
In response to message 2

For sure, if it were me, I would:
1. Eliminate the second cable MODEM.
2. Not use ICS.
3. Buy an SMC Barricade Broadband Router (http://www.smc.com/smc/pages_html/homef.html).
But, you see, that is me, because that is exactly what I have, one cable MODEM, four computers, four network adapters, and a Barricade.
This combination works far better than any other, software and hardware, which I have tested, including SyGate, which is bettter than ICS. The real nice thing about it is that none of the other computers have to be on for any one of the others to access the Internet. Just that computer, the barricade, and the cable MODEM have to be on. Furthermore, for the first time, DHCP works really well on my network, because the Barricade is the DHCP server and I leave it on all of the time. And, you have a four-port Ethernet switch, a very good printer server, and an interface to an external dial-up MODEM, in case the cable goes down, in the same little bitty box. For those cable systems that memorize the MAC address of a specific network adapter, the Barricade can beat that system as well. It can clone an adapter’s MAC address—make itself look like the adapter to the cable MODEM (and company). Finally, the Barricade can be accessed and configured from a password-protected, web browser interface from any computer on the network. A Barricade is quite inexpensive, considering what it does and how well it does it. I am very(!) impressed with this product and will be publishing a review of it shortly. If you still want to pursue the original question, please let me know. Larry

4. RE: ICS and Peer to Peer Network
lbyard Sep-07-00 07:15 PM
In response to message 3

I forgot to add that the Barricade is a configurable firewall as well. Larry

5. RE: ICS and Peer to Peer Network
jonsam Sep-07-00 07:49 PM
In response to message 3

Lets assume for a minute that I want to pursue the original question. What would it take?
I will look into the Barricade in the meantime and see if its worthwhile. Thanks for the suggestion but I still would like to see if it can be done with the current configuration.

6. RE: ICS and Peer to Peer Network
lbyard Sep-07-00 08:43 PM
In response to message 5

Suggest looking at the Barricade first and the price. Larry

7. RE: ICS and Peer to Peer Network
jonsam Sep-08-00 01:47 PM
In response to message 6

I had a look at the product and noticed it has 4 ports. Since I have four computers, one printer and a possibility of a fifth laptop connecting in from time to time, this is not enough ports. Does this mean I need two of these or can I use my regular hubs to connect to this?
I also see that it supports Win98, NT but does not say Win2000. One computer is on win2000.
I appreciate your help and want to make sure I am doing the right thing.

8. RE: ICS and Peer to Peer Network
lbyard Sep-08-00 02:55 PM
In response to message 7

I have a 5-port switch from the Dlink DFE-910 Network in a Box (http://duxcw.com/digest/Reviews/Network/dlink/dfe-910/dfe-910.htm). Running a straight-thru cable from one of the ports on the SMC Barricade to the uplink port on the switch works just fine. I would certinly think that Win 2000 would work well and will test it before long, probably this weekend (I have PC on my bench scheduled for a Win 2000 install). The only router-specific software is the driver for the pinter server (that's what I really like about this hardware solution). Larry

9. RE: ICS and Peer to Peer Network
jonsam Sep-08-00 03:04 PM
In response to message 8

Larry - thank you again. I'll order it and see if it works.
One last q - does the cable modem hook to the second nic in the computer or directly to the hub? or to the barricade?
My cable provider requires the account number to be in the Identification box under Computer Name in the Networking properties. If I remove that name or change it - my connection no longer works. Can the Barricade overcome that?
Thanks again.

10. RE: ICS and Peer to Peer Network
lbyard Sep-08-00 03:39 PM
In response to message 9

I was able to remove the second adapter from my computer--another big plus. The cable MODEM is connected to WAN port on the Barricade. All of the PC's have one network adapter which connect to the Barricade... The last question may be more serious. The answer is I think so and have no way to test it. There is a place to enter a Host name in the Barricade settings. Help on that setting says: "Host Name: optional. Required by some ISPs, e.g. @Home".
In the Appendix in the manual there are specific setups for @Home and MediaOne.
@Home looks like:
"C.1 @Home
1. Log in as system administrator and click "Primary Setup."
2. Configure the WAN type as "Dynamic IP Address."
3. In the "Host Name" field, you must key in the host name specified by your ISP. Say,
'C123456-A.'..."
MediaOne instructions tell